Kenny Pickett to the Eagles

[castelion]

Even before Wilson the Steelers would have been looking to the Draft for a QBOTF. Pickett was their fall-back position as #1 QB if they failed. He wasn't valuable enough for them to tolerate his being a problem. They'll sign a non-threatening back-up to Wilson for now and see what happens in the Draft. His forthcoming contract amounts for $1.984M and $2.623M aren't high for a usable back-up, (unlike Zach Wilson), but the money is still fully guaranteed.

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2024/3/15/24102346/kenny-picketts-departure-was-needed-and-now-the-steelers-can-move-on-russell-wilson-mike-tomlin

 

[castelion]

Cannot figure Steelers out here.

So let’s say they are right - Wilson starts every game next year.

What’s the plan the following season ? Wilson again ?

Do they really think he can keep going 2 years and lead them ?

Great defense (that’s getting older by the day) and suspect offense with a guy playing cheap and hoping to prove he still belongs. Short term - I think it’s a smart move - but without a plan long term or when Wilson inevitably goes down - it’s not looking good for them especially in a competitive division.

Now is the time to grab Justin Fields or some other player who can both learn and contribute more than a year from now and be ready to play if needed mid season if it doesn’t work out.

There's no market for Fields as a starter. His contract situation is too problematic. There's a limited market for him as a back-up but it depends on what the Bears are willing to accept and having a better option as the starting QB.

 

[jjgold]

He’ll be a good back up

 

[djefferis]

you know there is a draft this year still, right?

and who in this draft would you take as a starter for 2025 as your QB?

It’s a pretty weak class of QBs - even the top 3 have question marks. Not sure I’d bet my job as a GM on a 2nd/3rd round level college QB to start for me - especially if Russ doesn’t work out halfway through this year.

 

[djefferis]

There's no market for Fields as a starter. His contract situation is too problematic. There's a limited market for him as a back-up but it depends on what the Bears are willing to accept and having a better option as the starting QB.

Agree - as a starter - no market.

What’s his number contract wise ? This is a league that just saw Rams pay 10 million - 1 year for a backup who has shown nothing of late.

Plenty of places will overpay a guy who is willing to set the bench and be backup - look at New Orleans with Winston a few years ago. If a guy was smart - this is a great fit - get paid and get the chance to step in and play this year maybe - if not - likely next year.

 

[castelion]

Agree - as a starter - no market.

What’s his number contract wise ? This is a league that just saw Rams pay 10 million - 1 year for a backup who has shown nothing of late.

Plenty of places will overpay a guy who is willing to set the bench and be backup - look at New Orleans with Winston a few years ago. If a guy was smart - this is a great fit - get paid and get the chance to step in and play this year maybe - if not - likely next year.

Fields is due $3.23M this year, and that's all an acquiring team would have to account for. As a back-up for a low pick, (or swap picks for low pick value), that's fine. If the acquiring team doesn't have someone who is clearly better as the #1 QB it would be a problem.

 

[BigJay]

Agree Bears should have been much more aggressive trying to get a 2 or 3 for Fields earlier but maybe there was just no market.

I don’t see much of a market for him now except maybe as a backup